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5 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing an Aircon Ledge and How to Keep It Clean

November 4, 2019

Air conditioners play a crucial role in any household or business, and are usually installed either inside the house or outside. When they’re installed outside the house, it’s common to have them fixed onto a wall. However, when they’re installed outside the house, they’re fixed into place using an aircon ledge. Unless your entire aircon unit is built into a custom shelter, the outdoor unit of a residential or office aircon is placed on a ledge caged by metal bars. This is mandated by the Singapore government, and ensures the protection of the most important parts of your air conditioner, namely the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve. Leaving these vulnerable will cause the malfunction of your entire cooling system, and you’ll end up with an AC unit doing nothing but blowing out hot air.

During aircon installation, most people tend to ignore the importance of the aircon ledge, and commit a number of mistakes that ultimately affect the efficiency of your AC system. Living in the humid climate of Singapore, your aircon and its different components should definitely be an appliance to prioritize. Caring for the aircon ledge is an important part of maintenance, and is extremely important for making sure your air conditioner doesn’t conk out in the middle of the summer season.

With that said, here are a few things to watch out for when installing your aircon ledge:

1. Choosing the wrong material for your aircon ledge

There are many options in the Singapore market for aircon accessories, including the aircon ledge. An aircon ledge is made from various materials, some less desirable than others. It’s best to select a ledge made with a strong, durable, and rust-resistant material. Choosing strong material will ensure that the ledge will be able to support the air conditioner, regardless of its size and weight, while rust-resistance is important for extending the longevity of the ledge.

2. Not properly measuring the size of the aircon

Another common fault is not measuring the size of your air conditioner before purchasing the aircon ledge. Always make the right measurements prior to purchasing and installing the ledge. The aircon ledge must be the same size as the AC unit, as if it’s too large, it will look awkward on the wall, while if it’s too small, it won’t properly support the unit. Do yourself a favor and save time and effort by measuring the unit beforehand.

3. Improper installation

Once the ledge is installed, the next step in the process is fitting in the air conditioner. However, if the ledge has been installed in the wrong position, it complicates the entire process. If the ledge is too low, there’s a chance of someone knocking their head over it. If it’s placed in the wrong direction, the room may not be well circulated due to bad airflow.

Fitting the air conditioner into the aircon ledge is actually a delicate process, and requires a professional to do not only to ensure the safety of your unit, but the safety of pedestrians near your home. Suppose your home is on the 2nd or 3rd floor of a building, and your aircon ledge is installed loosely. Due to the improper installation, your aircon ledge has a bigger chance of falling off in the future, fatally wounding or injuring whoever the aircon lands on. Other than risking the life of a human being, you’ll also be risking destroying an expensive home appliance, and risking your housemates and family members with the exposed wiring too.

Like most electrical appliance accessories, the aircon ledge needs the right equipment to install it, otherwise it won’t be stable enough to support your air conditioner. Your aircon services company should be a reputable one that uses the right equipment. (Don’t install an aircon ledge on your own!) The proper tools, such as a level ruler, will help you and your AC technician confirm if the ledge is placed on the right angle. Haphazard installation without the right tools could prove to be detrimental for your air conditioner in the long run.

5. Not seeking professional services

Don’t install the aircon ledge yourself! One of the biggest mistakes AC unit owners make is assuming they can install the ledge properly themselves. While it may not look like it, aircon ledge installation is a complex process, and it’s highly recommended you contact a service professional to do the job of installing the aircon ledge for you. By choosing a trusted aircon services company, you ensure the quality of service and ensure the safety and longevity of your unit.

How To Keep Your Aircon Ledge Clean

1. Clean out bird droppings

While the mandatory metal caging is great for protecting your outdoor unit and ensuring the safety of pedestrians, the metal bars also attract birds and consequently, bird droppings. Excessive bird droppings on your outdoor unit won’t just tarnish the facade of your home, but it’ll also eventually ruin your air conditioner unit. Consider buying a light cover for the top of your outdoor unit or dedicating a day out of the month for cleaning the aircon ledge to make sure your unit stays in tip-top shape.

2. Wipe away dust and grime

Dust and grime is pretty much unavoidable, considering your unit is outdoors. Take time out of the month to give the aircon ledge a good wipe-down. However, if your unit is on the 2nd floor or higher, don’t even bother! Climbing to the ledge is dangerous for anyone who isn’t a professional. Call a trusted aircon services company and make cleaning the outdoor aircon ledge part of the regular maintenance routine.

3. Perform regular sanitation with chemical cleaning

You should be cleaning out your air conditioner with a good old chemical cleaning at least once a year. When you call in your AC technician for chemical cleaning, don’t forget to mention the outdoor aircon ledge. The aircon ledge needs to be thoroughly cleaned just as much as the other aircon components.

Keep Your Aircon Clean Professionally

Before installing the aircon ledge, make sure you understand all the safety requirements and precautions necessary to avoid accidents–especially if you live in an apartment several floors high. Don’t DIY the installation of the aircon ledge unless you really, really know what you’re doing. Otherwise, best to leave this to the professionals.